Preparation for the 2026-2027 season wrapped up last night at the Bay, with the Golden State Warriors defeating the Portland Trail Blazers. Golden State finished their preseason 4-2, but more importantly, they got a glimpse of the changes head coach Steve Kerr wants to implement. While their four wins over six games show promise, certain areas of improvement became very evident across this short span of basketball. Some players shone brilliantly, but as a counterbalance, some schematic concerns were also raised.
To first focus on the positives, Stephen Curry looks to have found a proper internal supporting cast. Oftentimes, building around a superstar requires some form of external influence, whether that’s through trades or offseason signees. However, the Warriors seem to have found aid from their backyard. Newly-resigned fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski and rookie first-round forward Yaxel Lenderborg had the most significant individual impact during the team’s preseason. Beyond leading stats in multiple categories across multiple contests, the two young stars showed exactly how they can positively affect the 2022 NBA Champions.
Podziemski looks more confident in his shot-making, but also in his general ability to make plays offensively. When the Warriors drafted the Santa Clara University product, they envisioned a secondary ball-handler and playmaker who can run the offense alongside or in relief of Curry. Four years later, the six-foot-four lefty seems poised to finally take a leap. Expectations for Lenderborg as the 11th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft won’t be too different either. Given his athletic profile and his vast experience at the collegiate level, the Warriors will anticipate that a top-half first-round pick will bear fruit immediately. Fans saw his versatility as a rebounder, passer, and three-level scorer during the team’s preparation. Golden State will surely rely on those skills as Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody recover from their long-term injuries.
In terms of the group’s offensive system change, this topic has gained much offseason attention. Following his extension to stay on the Warriors bench, Kerr voiced self-criticism during press conferences but vowed to make drastic alterations. Going back to the foundational block of Golden State’s dynasty under Kerr, the Dubs implemented five-out a lot in the span of the last six games. However, a time for adaptation is evidently needed, as the squad averaged 21 turnovers per game through the first four preseason matchups. In their last outing against Portland, that number dropped to 14 and included just five mistakes in the second half alone. While 48 minutes don’t show a problem’s resolution, improved timing, recognition, and decision-making are the encouraging signs Kerr has looked for. The product is “not anywhere close to where they want to be,” to use the Warriors head coach’s words, but early signs of success will help this group grow in confidence with this process.
